‘The Last of Us' Season 3 premiere date, schedule, and streaming options revealed
The critically acclaimed post-apocalyptic series The Last of Us wrapped its gripping second season on a major cliffhanger, and fans may be in for a long wait before Season 3 arrives.
How did Season 2 end?
The Season 2 finale, which followed Ellie (Bella Ramsey) as she, in a moment of painful honesty, revealed the truth about Joel's (
Pedro Pascal
) actions at the Salt Lake City hospital to Dina (Isabela Merced) — a revelation that shook the foundation of their relationship.
The episode also signalled a major narrative shift. With Jesse (Young Mazino) tending to Dina's wounds in the aftermath of the prior episode's chaos, the show's focus begins to pivot toward Abby (yet to be formally reintroduced in the finale), hinting that her arc will dominate Season 3.
Season 3 Confirmed
HBO officially renewed The Last of Us for a third season on April 9, 2025, just days before the Season 2 premiere. Series co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann confirmed that Season 3 will continue adapting the events of The Last of Us Part II, with a particular emphasis on Abby's perspective and the Seraphite conflict — including new exploration of the group's origins, their elusive prophet, and antagonist Isaac's motivations.
Production Schedule
Fans shouldn't expect a quick return to the world of Cordyceps. Production for Season 3 has yet to begin, and current projections suggest filming may not start until late 2025 or even 2026. Isabela Merced recently told Variety that delays may push production to early 2026, making a premiere unlikely before late 2026 or 2027.
The long gap between Seasons 1 and 2, was extended by the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Season 2 itself took over a year to move from announcement to filming and another several months to wrap production.
What to Expect
The upcoming season is expected to delve deeper into Abby's side of the story — a controversial move, considering her role in Joel's death. While co-creator Mazin promises an 'epic' continuation that reconnects with Joel and Ellie's journey, the narrative shift may test viewer loyalty.
'There is another side to this story we have yet to really delve into,' Mazin said at a virtual press event, while also promising resolution to several unanswered questions from Season 2.
Drop in Viewership
Despite critical praise, the series has experienced a sharp drop in viewership. The Season 2 premiere drew 5.3 million viewers — up from the Season 1 premiere — but by the finale, that number had dropped to just 3.7 million, marking a 55% decline from the first season's finale audience of 8.2 million. Analysts suggest that Joel's early death, coupled with a shorter seven-episode run, may have contributed to audience attrition.
Where to Stream
Season 3 will continue to stream on HBO and Max upon release, but the delay could impact fan engagement further.
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